Sir Alex Ferguson claims departed hero Cristiano Ronaldo is “streets ahead” of Kaka and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world — but is confident teenage star Federico Macheda will eventually receive the same adulation.

Ferguson only agreed to Ronaldo's desire to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid when the Spanish giants offered to pay an up-front world record payment of £80million this summer. Many United fans have already claimed they are happy to see the Portugal superstar go given his increasingly individual approach, particularly as it allows Wayne Rooney to resume the central attacking berth he craves.

However, Ferguson is not joining those now attempting to rewrite history. Describing Ronaldo's exit as “a massive loss”, the United manager paid a glowing tribute to the player he still regards as number one on the planet.

“Cristiano is a massive loss,” Ferguson said. “I have nothing but praise for the boy. He is easily the best player in the world.

“He is better than Kaka and better than Messi. He is streets ahead of them all. His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible. Strikes at goal, attempts on goal, raids into the penalty box, headers. It is all there. Absolutely astounding.”

Now all Ferguson can do is watch on as a player he brought to England from Sporting Lisbon as a raw 17-year-old exhibits in La Liga all the ability he nurtured at United's Carrington training ground. Not that he feels annoyed or angry. After six years, anyone born on the island of Madeira is bound to think life in the heat of Madrid has more going for it than the rain of Manchester.

“Three years ago I had a conversation with (then assistant) Carlos Queiroz,” recalled Ferguson. “We thought we would be doing well to keep him for another two, so overall, we have done well to keep him for six years.

“He is a great player. And if he gets the right training regime, as he had at United, he will develop and get even better.”

Yet, as he hands over Ronaldo's number seven shirt to Michael Owen, Ferguson is already looking at his next star of the future.

“Macheda is top drawer, a hero in the making, just as Cristiano was,” said Ferguson. “It is hard to believe he is just 17. We probably need to check his birth certificate because I reckon he is at least 28. He was way in front of everyone with his finishing the other day. It was magnificent to see.”